Chapter 20
At the very last minute, Theodosia crawled up a ladder and replaced the bulbs in the chandelier with pink bulbs. So when guests began to arrive, to the tune of “La Vie en Rose” no less, the atmosphere was indeed a very moody Moulin Rouge.
“I’m getting goose bumps,” Delaine declared as she walked in the front door with her niece Bettina. “Everything is so chic and French-inspired.”
“As if Coco Chanel might be holding court in a dim corner,” Theodosia told her, “smoking a Gallouise and looking dour.”
“Exactly!” Delaine cried. “That’s the vibe!”
Angie from the Featherbed House showed up with Aunt Libby, who was clearly in awe of the decor.
“Theo, you’ve outdone yourself this time,” Aunt Libby said as her eyes roved the tea shop, taking in every detail.
“It was a labor of love,” Theodosia said modestly.
“Your creativity is always so inspiring,” Angie said. “I’m going to have to pull out all the stops for our Gift Show Tea tomorrow.”
“I’m looking forward to that,” Theodosia said. “Mostly because I’m catering it.”
“And I’m looking forward to sampling your goodies,” Angie said as she led Aunt Libby into the tea room.
“Theodosia!” called an excited voice.
Theodosia turned to find a young woman grinning at her. She was petite, maybe five feet two at best, had angelic long blond hair, and wore a form-fitting denim jumpsuit. Another young woman, almost her spitting image, was with her.
“You don’t remember me, do you?” said the blonde.
Theodosia squinted at her. There was something familiar…“Wait a minute, you’re the singer, aren’t you? Haley’s friend.”
“Angel Mercer,” said the girl. “I used to be Angela but I shortened it to Angel once my career started to take off. And this is my sister Margaux.”
“You know, like the wine,” Margaux giggled.
“Welcome to you both,” Theodosia said. “Does Haley know you were coming today?”
“She sure does,” Angel said, “and when we get a chance we’re going to pop into the kitchen and say hi.”
“Do that,” Theodosia said, knowing Haley would be delighted.
As another dozen guests arrived, there were continued oohs and ahs. All of them nodding approval at the Parisian atmosphere Theodosia had created and eager to partake of the Moulin Rouge Tea.
Finally, when all the guests were seated, when the trio of musicians took a pause, Theodosia stepped to the center of the room.
“Welcome, dear guests, to the Indigo Tea Shop and our Moulin Rouge Tea. As you undoubtedly know, Moulin Rouge is a rather infamous cabaret in the Montmartre section of Paris. It was a favorite spot for poets and artists around the end of the nineteenth century. The artist Toulouse-Lautrec immortalized its famed dancers in his many posters, and the name Moulin Rouge literally means ‘red mill’. To impart the flavor, history, and gaiety of the Moulin Rouge, we’ve prepared a special Parisian luncheon for you today. ”
There was a round of applause and a few apropos cries of santé and salut, then Theodosia continued.
“We’ll begin our luncheon with fresh-baked Provencal herbed scones served with our homemade lavender butter.
Our second course is French onion soup topped with garlic croutons and accompanied by a mini goat cheese quiche.
And our third course, our main entrée, is Haley’s special Toulouse cassoulet.
This is a slow-cooked French stew of chicken, sausage, pork, and white beans under a rich pastry crust. Finally, your desserts will be served on three-tiered tea trays and include mini red velvet cupcakes, French macarons, and financiers, which are small French almond cakes.
As far as the tea goes, I shall cede the floor to Drayton Conneley, our resident tea sommelier, and let him do the honors. ”
Wearing a black cutaway jacket and top hat, Drayton strode to the center of the room. With all eyes on him—because he cut quite a cultured figure—he began.
“I’m sure many of you have heard of Mariages Frères tea.
And if you’ve had it and enjoyed it, then you’ll be doubly delighted today because that’s what I’ll be brewing.
I’ve selected two of their finest teas. The first is Marco Polo Sublime, a velvety black tea with fruity notes.
The second tea is their Pleine Lune, an almond and spiced black tea. ”
Theodosia and Drayton quickly made the rounds pouring tea, while Haley and Miss Dimple ferried out the scones and lavender butter. And as guests sipped and chatted, there were always comments and questions.
“Is there caffeine in tea?” one of the guests asked Theodosia.
“There is,” Theodosia said. “With the amount of caffeine dependent on a tea’s growing environment and how the tea is brewed. But suffice it to say there’s less caffeine in tea than there is in coffee.”
“I’ve heard the term estate tea,” another woman said. “What does that mean exactly?”
“Single estate tea means the tea is from a particular—often notable—estate or tea garden,” Theodosia explained. “It hasn’t been blended with any other tea.”
Theodosia continued to mingle with the guests even as she helped serve the French onion soup and, finally, the Toulouse cassoulet.
As she heard the eager buzz of conversation, the soft music, and the clink of teacups into bone china saucers, Theodosia felt a happy contentment knowing that her guests were being well-served.
Toward the tail end of the tea party, after the macarons and cupcakes and financiers, when maybe half the tables were still occupied, Bill Glass wandered in.
Theodosia was momentarily discombobulated. Oh no! All I need is for Bill Glass to make a pest of himself.
Glass looked around and slithered up to the front counter, where Theodosia was tallying checks and Drayton was packaging up scones to go. “Hey,” he said, flashing a mischievous grin, “you’ve got a band.”
“Technically a trio,” Theodosia said. “Entertainment for our Moulin Rouge Tea.”
“You know, I visited Paris once.” Glass pronounced it Pa-ree. “Had myself a dandy time there. If you wanted some insider tips you should have called me.”
“I think we’ve managed fairly well, but thank you anyway,” Theodosia said.
“Yeah, sure.” Glass pointed a finger at Drayton. “You brewing French tea there?”
“I have been, yes,” Drayton told him. “Would you like a cup to go?”
Glass took a step back. His mouth turned downward and he looked insulted. “What’s with this ‘cup to go’ stuff? Every time I come in here it’s always, ‘Would you like a cup to go?’ I’m starting to get the feeling you guys don’t want me around anymore.”
“It’s just that we’re usually so busy,” Theodosia said.
“Busy trying to get rid of me?”
Theodosia smiled at him patiently and said, “Just trying to make a living.” She was suddenly thankful that the phone at the front counter had started to ring.
“Yes?” she said when she picked it up. “Indigo Tea Shop, how may I help you?”
“Theodosia? Miss Browning?” came a tentative voice. “This is Birdie Huger. Would it be possible for you to come over here?”
“Here?” Theodosia wasn’t sure she was understanding Birdie correctly. “Wait, you mean come to Mrs. V’s house?”
“Yes. Right away if possible,” Birdie said.
Theodosia glanced around the tea shop. “Um…” Did she dare leave? There were still a few lingering customers.
Sensing her hesitation, Birdie said, “It’s pretty important. Kind of an emergency, in fact.” Now there was a tremor in her voice as if she was just this side of frantic.
“Okay,” Theodosia said. “I’ll come right over.” She hung up the phone and said in a low voice to Drayton, “I’ve got to run out for a few minutes.” She pulled off her apron and hung it on a peg.
Glass, still hanging around and sensing Theodosia’s sudden urgency, said, “Where you running off to, tea lady? Did something happen? Breaking news I should know about?”
“Nothing to concern you,” Theodosia said, giving him a look of pure innocence.
“Here,” Drayton said as he handed a cup of tea to Glass. “This tea is guaranteed to rock your world. Now if you’d kindly step back from the counter?”
“Yeah, sure,” Glass said. And actually did.
Then Drayton turned to Theodosia and whispered, “Where are you really running off to?”
“That was Birdie Huger on the phone. She asked me to come over to Mrs. V’s house. Something’s happened.”
“What is it?”
“That’s what I need to find out.”